Newborn and Sibling Photo Shoot Tips – Dallas Newborn Photographer – CLJ Photography

Newborn and Sibling Photo Session – Dallas Newborn Photographer

Let’s face it – one of the most requested shots with baby #2 or #3 is the Sibling Image. It is also possibly the most stressful. It can definitely be challenging, especially with toddlers. You just don’t know how they will respond. Most will love on the new baby but many can be unsure and may want to push the baby away. It is an important conversation to have with your photographer before the shoot takes place to understand what to expect.

What Parents Should Expect

It is important to remember, we need to let children be themselves. Most parents with toddlers understand the nature and temperament of their children and so most parents have very reasonable expectations. However, the more we force young children into a situation, the more they will push back. Giving the child as much freedom as we can, with the limits in the studio, is important. Personally, I like to take a couple minutes with the older child and play around, just a little bit. If they will let me hold them, that is even better. There are multiple ways to get a sibling shot and being open to different ideas (or possibly failure) is key.

Options for Sibling Poses

One of the easiest poses for young children with a newborn is laying down on their back on the Flokati rug. Almost always the newborn is wrapped up to make it easier for the sibling to hold. The head of the newborn is supported underneath with extra pillows and a parent will be off to the side as a safety precaution.

If the older child is happy to be my special helper, I will lay them down on the rug first and take a “test shot”. I tickle their bellies and play peek-a-boo and get a good smile – all by themselves. Then we lay down the newborn.

Two things happen at this point.

One, the toddler or child is happy to have the baby next to them for a minute. The shot is taken fast and the child is rewarded for their cooperation.

Two, the child will try to sit up or push the newborn away. And this was the case, actually, with the shot above.

This adorable little girl, was so sweet and happy. But unsure of the studio and the situation. Unsure of her little brother. But it is ok! I took a second shot of just the newborn and was able to join these two images together in photoshop. Yes, look again, you can probably tell this time. What’s important is being able to deliver a very desired portrait. With my last baby, the shot I wanted the most was my three children together so I totally understand what’s going through Mom’s head!

At this point, mom and I usually have a chat about how to proceed. Do we try again? Or are we happy with the results and, often, mom has to trust in me. A lot.

The image below has been a family favorite! With a focus on the new baby, the hands of the family is very sweet and loving. It is a very easy shot for little ones and includes them in the portrait.

There are a lot of other options for getting a picture with the kids together. My next blog with show all the different options for sibling pictures. After photographing young children and newborns for nearly 10 years, you learn how to connect and how to get them to cooperate. I promise there are a lot of tricks in the trade!